Ryan Welch Photography

Ryan Welch Photography

Ryan took up photography straight after he left school. Although wedding and portrait photography are still the main focus of his business, Ryan has now expanded into new markets and offers a photo booth hire service as well as a newly-launched online global photo editing service.

Combined, the businesses have nine members of staff.

How has Business Wales helped Ryan Welch Photography?

“I would thoroughly recommend using Business Wales – 100%. It’s an invaluable and free service. Business Wales really gave me a business perspective that I didn’t have before and provided it in an understandable, digestible way – paid-for business advice may sometimes veer towards telling you what you want to hear but Business Wales gives honest, practical advice and advises on what won’t work as well as what will.”
Ryan Welch

After failing to secure a bank loan to expand his business, Ryan turned to Business Wales for advice on financial planning for the launch of his new photo booth hire service, Instabooth. Ryan needed help securing a Finance Wales loan, alongside support with business and marketing planning for his organisation.

Initially, Business Wales supported Ryan by completing and finalising his funding application, which secured him an £11k loan. This was crucial for Ryan’s business as it instantly led to increased number of wedding referrals to his photography service.

Ryan subsequently also secured a £35k loan from Finance Wales to establish ‘Freedom Edit’ – an online outsourcing platform which is focused on editing other international photographers’ work for them.

Ryan and his business advisor are currently carrying out talks with Xenos – Wales’ Business Angel Network. The aim is to match him with suitable financial investors in order to help grow ‘Freedom Edit’ over the next five years. They are also in discussions about exploring the international opportunities now open to Ryan’s business.

The proudest moment in business

“My proudest moment in business was hiring my first employee, an additional photographer, earlier this year.”

Ryan Welch

Top Tips for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Don’t try and do everything yourself - outsource or find people who are good at what they do whilst you focus on your skills

Don’t be afraid to put yourself under pressure - nothing will motivate you to push forward quite like it

Treat your client base like kings & queens! Word of mouth advertising is free and the best form of marketing!

Understand your target audience before you try and market to them

Find someone to give you honest advice. Sometimes you need to know the truth without the sugar coating